Pollen Allergy

Pollens are a common cause of seasonal allergies. Around 10% of flowering plants rely on the wind to carry their pollen instead of birds and insects and these plants are the ones that people with allergies are more likely to react to. Their pollen is smaller and lighter and produced in larger quantities which can be carried over long distances from their source (hundreds of kilometres in some cases). A list of wind pollinating plants can be found in the book Healthy Home, Healthy Family. Pollens may trigger hay fever, (sneezing, congestion, itchy and watery eyes and runny nose), asthma, sinus headaches, joint pain and eczema which occur in a particular season. Symptoms maybe immediate upon exposure, or can be delayed by a few days.

Testing

A building biologist will be able to identify wind-pollinating plants around the site and recommend ways to reduce one’s exposure. For more detail, click here.

Solutions

• Close windows, doors and entry points in the home on hot, dry windy days

• Damp brush indoor pets before they enter the home

• Do not exercise in the early morning in Spring or Summer

• Wear glasses that wrap around your eyes

• Plant a low allergy garden

• An air filter fitted with a HEPA and carbon filter maybe helpful in the room of the allergy sufferer

Want to learn more?

• Step 1: Read Chapter 2: Allergens in the Healthy Home Healthy Family book

• Step 2: Enrol in the Healthy Home course

• Step 3: Consider a career as a Building Biologist